Few people die at home in Australia today. So, most of the time the hospital or other authorities are there to take care of the medical necessities and formalities. When someone dies at home, you should phone the person's doctor. The doctor will explain what steps to take to get a Death Certificate.

For a more comprehensive "What to do" go to Centrelink Funeral Page 

Death Certificate

A Death Certificate is the official registration of death. It is signed by the doctor who pronounces the death and must be lodged with the relevant State or Territory Government office. You cannot make funeral arrangements without a signed Death Certificate. In most States and Territories, this office is called the 'Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages'. Your funeral director will usually organise to lodge the Death Certificate for you.

A copy of the Death Certificate for the next of kin is usually arranged by the funeral director - this may take several weeks. In unusual cases, for example if an autopsy or coronial inquiry is conducted, it could take eight weeks or longer to issue the Death Certificate.

Organising The Funeral

A funeral director can arrange the funeral for you. They will arrange for the body to be removed from the place of death, certificates for the burial or cremation service and can arrange for you to view the body if you wish. The funeral director can also arrange other things like newspaper notices, flowers and religious services.

Insurance Policies

Sometimes private health insurance, sickness and accident insurance or life insurance policies may pay funeral and other payments. For example, a few private health insurance companies contribute amounts up to around $1 500 towards the cost of a funeral. The contribution depends on the level of cover and certain conditions.

The Will

The Will is a legal document that sets out how the deceased's belongings are to be distributed after their death.

The executor of the Will is responsible for distributing the person's assets to the people named in the Will as beneficiaries. This happens after any debts are paid.

If the person has not left a Will the estate is shared under a formula set by law. The formula cannot take account of the person's wishes. If there are no close relatives, there is a chance the estate could be paid to the State or Territory Government.